1941 Lithgow SMLE

[kellaro]

Hi there

I am interested in purchasing this rifle.

Australian Lee Enfield No. 1 Mk III* (SMLE) with bayonet - Collector's Source, Military Collectibles Online

I think the '45 means the barrel has been swapped. Is there anything else obvious to the keen eyes of you folks here?

The price seems a bit high, but it looks to be in great and possible worth the premium to me.

Thoughts appreciated!

Rich

Information

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[CINDERS]

Well it looks alright but I see a split on the right side butt socket where the screw wire goes through this can happen when they try to take the butt off first and turning the bolt spreads the recoil plate and can split the back of the fore woods anyway others may be better able to explain.
Looks nice though the stock may need a drink of BLO as it may have shrunk over the years anyway nice find hope it goes well for you. Cheers.

[303tom]

Looks Good, Needs a Good Oiling & it`s a little to pricey !.................

[kellaro]

Thanks for your input -- much appreciated!

[owengun]

I know of a nice original one with original Australian bayonet at almost half the price of that one in Ontario that is available, PM me if you are interested and I can put you in touch with the owner/seller.

[browningautorifle]

Collector Source has always been a little high. Look at their de-wats for instance...

[Simon P]

There's a crack in the fore-end where the transverse screw / pin goes through at the end near the butt socket, could be signs someone's tried to tighten - undo the stock bolt without moving the for-end.

[Homer]

I'd be asking a lot more questions and the price looks very high. What numbers are matching? Is it an FTR? Too many of these have been put together and there's not enough of this rifle shown to prove its legit.

[jona]

Where are the butt stock markings? Might be a put-together.

[Ridolpho]

Way above market value in my opinion. This morning on CGN there is a nice 1917 BSA MkIII* with bayonet for $575 (claimed to be all matching/ original). I recently purchased a very nice '44 Lithgow (only weakness an armorer rematched bolt) at a show in Calgary for $300. Collectors Source seems to be trying to reset the market- I do believe they asked $2,300 for a WW1 MkIII (no-star) recently (and sold it!). That's Mk V territory as of late. Shop around people.

Ridolpho